Title:
Advancing Sustainable Construction: Harnessing Louisiana's Local Resources for Low-Carbon Concrete
Author(s):
Callender
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_S24_Callender.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
3/23/2024
Abstract:
The cement industry is a major contributor to global anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, constituting approximately 8% of total emissions. This environmental burden underscores the urgency of seeking sustainable alternatives in the construction sector. Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) has emerged as an economically viable, low-carbon substitute for conventional cement blends, offering a promising avenue for mitigating the industry's carbon footprint. One of the primary raw ingredients for LC3 is low-grade clay found in Alfisols or Ultisols, which are abundant in Louisiana. This research explores the potential of utilizing Louisiana's locally available clays in LC3 production, coupled with the innovative integration of powdered oyster shells (OS), a byproduct of the fishing industry. The Louisiana calcined clays are subjected to thorough characterization, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Simultaneously, we rigorously investigated oyster shell calcined cement (OC3) pastes via XRD, TGA, compressive strength test, and rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT). The findings reveal that OC3 formulations incorporating Louisiana clays exhibit comparable durability and notably superior early strength compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) blends, particularly after 7 days of curing. This promising outcome suggests that the incorporation of locally sourced materials in LC3 production, coupled with the replacement of limestone with powdered OS, can not only reduce carbon emissions but also effectively address the challenge of waste management in the construction industry. By harnessing Louisiana's natural resources for low-carbon concrete, this research contributes to the advancement of sustainable construction practices, aligning with the imperative to reduce the environmental impact of the cement industry and promote an eco-friendlier future for the state and across the broader region.